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President orders to swiftly remove chemical storage facilities from residential areas

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has ordered all relevant authorities to remove all chemical storage facilities from residential areas following the tragic fire incident in the heavily congested capital city.

During a meeting with National Disaster Council, Ministry of Defence and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) informed President Solih that a detailed study had been completed regarding the storage facilities in Male’ City. They revealed there are 126 chemical storage facilities in the capital, with over 80 of the facilities in densely populated areas.

The president was informed the efforts on compiling and gazetting a regulation on storing and destroying chemicals imported to Maldives. The president urged the authorities to swiftly complete and implement the regulations.

Furthermore, President Solih instructed the authorities to provide financial aid, shelter and other necessities to the families affected in the most tragic fire incident in Male’ City. He also urged to ensure the students are able to continue their studies when the schools open after the weekend.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) revealed a total of 43 households were affected, with over 400 individuals registering at the relief centre opened at Kalaafaanu School. Some of the families have been accommodated at guesthouses now, according to NDMA.

While 4 storage facilities and 7 houses were affected by the fire, which was controlled after put out after 7 hours on early Saturday morning, NDMA said an engineering assessment of the building in the area will be completed before allowing evacuated individuals to return.

A 46-year-old woman was killed in the incident.